Acute intestinal obstruction refers to a condition in which the flow of intestinal contents, such as food and digestive juices, is hindered by some kind of blockage. It can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, such as the large and small intestine.
Intestinal obstruction can be partial or complete. In partial obstruction, some of the intestinal content can still pass through, but in complete obstruction, the flow of digestive material is completely stopped, and immediate medical intervention is required to fix it.
As intestinal content accumulates in the digestive tract behind the blockage, it damages the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, acute intestinal obstruction can cause parts of your intestine to die (ischemia), leading to impaired absorption of nutrients.
Furthermore, when there is sufficient pressure due to accumulation, it can lead to the rupturing of the intestine. This tearing can result in the leakage of toxic substances and bacteria from the intestine into the abdominal cavity, posing a life-threatening situation due to septic shock
However, with timely medical care, most cases of intestinal obstruction can be completely resolved.
Partial intestinal obstruction can be treated with no surgery involved. In some cases, you will be given an intravenous (IV) line to supply fluids and medications, bowel rest followed up with a low-fibre diet to be consumed for a few days if bowel activity resumes. However, surgery may be needed if it does not resolve within a week or investigations show worsening obstructive features.
Complete intestinal obstruction requires urgent surgery. Typically, the surgeon will remove the obstruction together with parts of the intestine that have been damaged.
So, even though it can result in adverse complications, acute intestinal obstruction is a very treatable condition.
Several conditions can cause intestinal obstruction. Acute intestinal obstructions are most commonly caused by adhesions in the abdomen that form post-surgery, hernias, colon cancers and twisting of bowel loops. In some cases, ingesting foreign objects can also cause intestinal obstruction.
Acute intestinal obstruction typically involves a few of the following symptoms:
The abdominal pain associated with intestinal obstruction is often described as ‘crampy’. Since it comes and goes, it is incredibly uncomfortable and quite often bad enough to disrupt daily activities and sleep.
When complications such as infections occur, the pain can become ceaseless and completely unbearable without painkillers. Thus, it is crucial to get immediate medical attention if you experience intestinal obstruction.
Acute intestinal obstruction is more likely to occur in people who:
It is vital to immediately seek help from a general surgery clinic or call 995 to contact a nearby hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department if you experience symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction, such as severe abdominal pain and cramping, persistent and forceful vomiting, and abdominal bloating and swelling. You should not ignore these symptoms as they are signs of a medical emergency that requires timely treatment.
ACE Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy Clinic offers round-the-clock emergency services for acute intestinal obstruction cases. Patients experiencing acute intestinal obstruction in Singapore can seek medical attention at any time for diagnosis and treatment. You can call us any time of the day (24/7), and we will arrange a consultation or urgent operation with our general surgeon as soon as possible.
After informing our general surgeon about your symptoms, if there is a possibility of intestinal obstruction, one or more of these diagnostic tests may be run on you:
In Singapore, effective treatment options for acute intestinal obstruction are widely available. After you arrive at our specialist clinic, you will be stabilised so that further diagnostic and treatment procedures can take place. This may involve:
If you have a complete obstruction, you can also expect:
Acute intestinal obstruction is characterised by the flow of intestinal contents, such as food and digestive juices, being hindered by some kind of blockage. It is a potentially fatal condition that can happen to anyone and has the potential to develop into serious complications. However, with a quick response, it can be controlled in most cases.
If you are suffering from acute intestinal obstruction or suspect that you may be suffering from one, call us to schedule an appointment with ACE Surgery and Endoscopy for a detailed examination and guidance on suitable treatment options. Our Senior Consultant Endocrine and General Surgeon, Dr Reyaz Singaporewalla, who has over 25 years of experience in general surgery, will handle your medical emergency.
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